Maryland Day Will Celebrate State's History With Weekend Of Events

MARYLAND — Marylanders have a tremendous amount of state pride. We guzzle down Old Bay and put the state flag on everything. We also have a holiday celebrating the state's history, culture and natural beauty.

Maryland Day is every March 25, marking the anniversary of when the Ark and Dove ships landed at St. Clement's Island in 1634. These first colonists, led by Leonard Calvert, bought land from the native Yaocomaco tribe and built the Fort at St. Mary's City.

Dozens of events will celebrate Maryland Day this year.

Historic St. Mary's City will host the biggest event on Maryland Day itself. There will be:

• Soap-making at the Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation
• Tours of the new Maryland Dove ship
• Hide tanning at the Woodland Indian Hamlet
• 17th-century games at the Town Center exhibit area

The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 25 at 18751 Hogaboom Lane. More information is posted here.

Most of the other events take place the following weekend in Anne Arundel County. These festivities run from Friday, March 31 through Sunday, April 2.

"The best part about this weekend of events, besides being affordable and family-friendly is learning how our diverse culture, history, and heritage have all shaped Anne Arundel County into the place it is today," Maryland Day Marketing Manager Erik Evans said in a press release.

Event admission is free or $1 to encourage widespread family participation.

With a theme of "Stories that Matter," each event will tell the tale of its community.

New venues this year include the Chesapeake Arts Center, the Museum of Historic Annapolis, and the Northern Anne Arundel Cultural Preservation Society. The U.S. Naval Academy Visitors Center will return after a break during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other festivities will spotlight parks, historic farms and preserved lands. Cultural sites and art centers will also be open.

Most of the participating locations are part of the Chesapeake Crossroads Heritage Area, formally known as the Four Rivers Heritage Area. This nonprofit works with people, businesses, governments and other nonprofits to preserve historical, natural and cultural sites in Anne Arundel County.

"Each location has a different story to tell, yet it all weaves together into the fabric that created the communities, county, and state that many of us call home," Evans said in the release. "You can pick from over 40 events in three days all within about 30 minutes or less drive from each other."

Visit marylandday.org to see the full schedule of events.